Weaving

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Coffee_Bean

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Would you buy a horse that weaves? If not, why? Is it considered to put "extra stress" on the legs? Surely no more than a horse that is out 24/7 and walking around like nature intended?

Anyone owned a serial weaver that has been fine, or on the other hand one that has ended up crocked earlier than expected?

Any opinions welcome
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I own a serious weaver, he weaves to the point where he has two holes in his rubber matting, however we just manage it by keeping him out as much of the year as we can. He is the only horse ive ever had that hasnt been lame a single day. I wouldnt swap him for the world!! It is however quite scary driving the horse box in wind when he is busy weaving in the back as he is 17hh and can make the thing rock like nothing else! Are you looking at buying a weaver?
 
Dizz weaves with excitement. She lives out as much as possible, though I have started having her in every other day/night to get her used to being in.

Other than driving me nuts, from my reading on the subject, it's not an issue.
 
Mine weaves but he's only in at night in winter and only weaves before feeding or if he thinks something exciting is going on outside! He's 18 now and has been like it since I've had him (since a 4 yo) and (touch wood) he's not suffered any detrimental effects.
 
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Surely no more than a horse that is out 24/7 and walking around like nature intended?

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No, sorry. Being out 24/7 is good for a horses legs and they are less likely to get joint trouble from being out than a horse than is in a lot, and doesn't even weave. The repetitive nature of weaving is what does the damage.
 
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Surely no more than a horse that is out 24/7 and walking around like nature intended?

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No, sorry. Being out 24/7 is good for a horses legs and they are less likely to get joint trouble from being out than a horse than is in a lot, and doesn't even weave. The repetitive nature of weaving is what does the damage.

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Fair enough, but could you not argue that a horse that does lots of trotting on roads is not as nature intended, is repetitive and causes more stress and jarring to the legs than weaving?

Interesting points though thanks
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Whoever it was that asked about me buying one, no I'm not buying at the moment, just browsing and found a nice horse, but it weaves, and I was contemplating whether I'd hypothetically buy one if it was right in other ways (I am also going to be on a limited budget
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My horses live out 24/7. I was given a horse a few years ago because he was a bit of a head case. I didn't discover he weaved until I had them all in one day waiting for the vet. It was interesting just to see how much of a difference it makes having them out all the time. I would definitely consider another weaver, but not one that cribs. The causes of the two stereotypies are very different.
 
A nice quiet yard with plenty of turnout is perfect for weavers....also if they are given the option of walking around the yard and not immediately 'locked up' in a confined space...my mare now puts herself in her box and is happy and content....only weaves when i arrive but not manic like she used to be! wouldnt get another one tho...
 
My horse is prone to weaving when excited, in on his own or when there is a change in routine. So I tend to avoid these situations, give him plenty of turnout, fibre-based diet and a routine, plus his stable has good view of other horses.

He has rubber matting by the door ....his 'dance-mat' for if he gets wound up- in general he is much much better, its a sporadic now and again thing rather than all the time......but I will say it was well traumatic when he was on box-rest.

ETA...he's never lame - (even when he had a broken leg
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